Tag: bath and body

Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum

I am still faithful to my Le Labo ‘Santal 33’, but on a recent binge shop through Sephora I picked up a rollerball to keep in my purse. And I fell equally in love with Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum on the go for a change of pace. The fragrance is inspired by strength and elegance of bamboo. On me, the notes are feminine and clean but without being too floral – right up my alley. And perfect for freshening up mid-day.

Notes:

Italian Bergamot
Casablanca Lily
Ylang-Ylang
Comoros Sandalwood

Right now, Sephora is offering a gift with purchase with Gucci Bamboo with code VELVETGUCCI.

Le Labo ‘Santal 33’ Eau de Parfum

Our family isn’t huge on big presents, but we do like to spoil ourselves with things we normally wouldn’t buy for ourselves. And my family came through with something I’ve had my eye on for several years. I was in San Francisco back in October and visited Le Labo to confirm my lust for Santal. At happy hour that evening, my friend with fabulous taste, Lauren, confirmed that it was indeed my scent. And low and beyond, Santa delivered!

My impression of Le Labo over the years has been somewhat unusual fragrances that are honest to the soul and packaged exquisitely. Santal is inspired by a “classic image of a man and his horse in front of the fire on a great plain under tall, blue evening skies—a defining image of the spirit of the American West”. No one ever accused me of loving overly feminine fragrances. This isn’t for those girly girls. But it does have a woodsy, rich scent that smells rustic and but clean. The notes:

Top: violet accord, cardamom.
Middle: iris, papyrus, ambrox.
Base: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.

More and more these days, I have been appreciative of brands like Le Labo in making a scent I love that is vegan, not tested on animals and made in the USA.

Purchased at Nordstrom.

Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Jazz Club

I admit I was drawn to this brand because of the stunning packaging. There was something classic and sophisticated about it. Plus their fragrances were described in a moody and slightly masculine way. At a display I sniffed all the offerings but was immediately drawn to Jazz Club – evoking the ambiance of a Brooklyn jazz club, being both moody and exhilarating.

The bottle, which you’d be proud to display on your vanity, is inspired by classic apothecary jar with a cotton label. The labelling also will remind you of the clothing line labeling also by Maison Margiela if you are familiar.

Copper, leather, liquor and tobacco notes are all clearly Jazz Club inspired. A more detailed summary of notes: Pink Pepper, Primofiore Lemon, Neroli Oil, Rum Absolute, Clary Sage Oil, Java Vetiver Oil, Tobacco Leaf Absolute, Vanilla Bean, Styrax Resin.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion with Marula Oil

I know we are entering the shorter days of summer. But if you are like me, this is my favorite time of summer to plan parties and trips. They are somewhat sweeter when they come savored late. Plus, things are less crowded now that school is firing up. So forgive me if I am daydreaming about a voyage to the beach. I am headed to Southern California in a couple weeks and cannot wait. To get help with a glow, I turn to Vita Liberata and their Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion with Marula Oil is my new favorite formula.

This self-tanner acts just like a moisturizer and would be great for dry and sensitive skin. The texture is light-weight but packs a hydration punch. The subtle glow can be built deeper with repeated applications. I can detect no scent at all thanks to the company’s Odour Remove™ technology. I like to exfoliate first but I would not say it is mandatory. I get the most even application using the tan mitt and highly recommend splurging for one. Wait to shower for eight hours after application.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Shiseido Suncare and Melanoma Awareness Month

We are almost to the end of Melanoma Awareness Month and I couldn’t let it slip by without a friendly reminder for sun safety. I have Melanoma in my family and strive to wear sunscreen all the time. I also go for yearly skin checks from my dermatologist. One of the brands I often turn to when pool weather comes around is Shiseido. Not only are they great for active coverage but everyday use and specialty protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these Shiseido products.

Some of my favorites include:

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

This water-friendly SPF becomes even more effective on the applied area when exposed to water for 15 minutes. It also helps a ton with dryness – my beef with hot summer weather. It is high, effective protection without feeling heavy.

Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF34

How unique! I had never heard of an eye SPF, but I am in. This is part of my new, everyday summer routine. The rich formula protects and minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also fights dryness and adds a radiant finish – something I definitely wouldn’t mind around the pool or at the office.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence

Do you have someone special on your Valentine’s Day shopping list that loves organic ingredients? I have just the ticket: KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence. This blend uses founder Miranda Kerr’s personal blend of organic oils to channel the Heart Chakra.

According to some Indian religions, the Heart Chakra is one of the seven centers of spiritual power in the human body. It is the source of love, joy and compassion – our connection to life and all living things. When the heart chakra is open, you are loving towards others and accepting of yourself. Kindness, compassion, love and warmth bring a sense of peace around yourself. Just about perfect for celebrating a day of love.

I’ve been using this on the weekends over pulse points and behind my ears. The blend of Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Jojoba and Ylang Ylang plus the pure essential oil of Cedarwood is warm but not overly floral. I like the spicier and woodsier fragrances balanced with rose.

Just a note: as a single lady, I must add it also makes a lovely Valentine’s Day present for yourself.

99% of the Total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 98.72% of the Total ingredients are from Organic Farming. Made in Australia. Vegan. Cruelty-free.

Available at koraorganics.com.